By Joy Yesufu
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued seven kidnapped residents following a sustained joint operation that led to the dislodgement of a kidnappers’ camp spanning the border between Abuja and Kaduna State.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command Abuja, SP Josephine Adeh on Sunday said armed men had invaded a community in Ushafa on 5 December 2025, abducting several residents.
According to her, a combined team of police operatives from the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigerian Army, and the Department of State Services (DSS) in a swift response, mobilized to the area on 6 December to launch a coordinated search-and-rescue mission.
She said, acting on credible intelligence, the team traced the abductors through the outskirts of Mpape and into settlements bordering Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Upon encountering the operatives, the kidnappers opened fire, sparking a fierce exchange. The security team overpowered them and rescued one victim found at the initial hideout.
The operation continued for more than seven hours across rugged mountainous terrain.
The pursuit led operatives to Kweri Forest in Kaduna State, where another gun battle ensued. The sustained assault forced the kidnappers to abandon their camp, enabling the rescue of six additional victims. All victims were immediately taken to hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.
Adeh added that the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, praised the gallantry and professionalism displayed by the operatives and ordered deployment of additional personnel along identified security corridors to deter further incursions by kidnapping syndicates into the FCT.
She noted that while efforts are being intensified to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects, the Command had called on hospitals and healthcare providers to report any individuals presenting with suspicious injuries to the following emergency lines: 08061581938, 08032003913.
